A novel feature of the first part is the parallel treatment of Stokes, Jones, and Berreman matrix formalisms in a chapter-by-chapter development of wave equations, basis vectors, transfer matrices, reflection and transmission equations, and guided waves. Computational tools for MATLAB are included.

The second part focuses on an emerging planar technology in which anisotropic microstructures are formed by oblique deposition in vacuum. Methods for characterizing dielectric and metal films are discussed.Topics such as form birefringence, effective medium theory, anisotropic scatter and anisotropic fluid transport are discussed in detail.

Practical applications of bulk and layered birefringent media are considered in the final part. Separate chapters are devoted to linear polarizers, phase retarders, and birefringent filters. Traditional bulk-media polarizing elements are included and compared with thin film designs.

Contents:

• Propagation in Biaxial Media:
• Propagation Equations
• Basis Vectors
• Transfer Matrices
• Reflection and Transmission
• Guided Waves
• Characterization of Anisotropic Films:
• Deposition of Microstructures
• Form Birefringence
• Effective Media
• Anisotropic Scatter
• Fluid Transport
• Metal Films
• Applications of Birefringent Media:
• Linear Polarizers
• Phase Retarders
• Birefringent Filters
• Birefringent Coatings
• Birefringent Thin Films Toolbox biresoft.zip

"The book covers the field in a very clear and well written manner ... can be highly recommended both for beginners and also for specialists in the field of optical coatings and for anyone who needs to work theoretically and practically in the area of birefringence and polarization. The book covers a gap in the literature."